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I've been vegan many years. I like Blossom on about 21st and 9th Ave or by the same owner but more low key Cafe Blossom on the UWS on 82nd and Columbus Ave. Also Angelica's Kitchen on 2nd Ave and 12th street.

Given your stated interests, I'd suggest spending some time in the East Village. You can combine two of the interests by visiting John's of 12th, an old-school Italian place (slightly Godfather-esque feel) in the East Village that has an entire separate vegan menu. The food is great, but it's a bit cramped and can get loud, so it might not be good with young kids. They're also cash-only, which can be a problem, though they do have an ATM machine in the restaurant that you can use for a small fee. If that's not to your liking, it's right next-door to Angelica Kitchen, a well-known vegan restaurant that a previous poster mentioned. Once dinner is over, you can take the kids nearby to Lula's Sweet Apothecary, a popular spot for vegan ice cream.

I'd also second Candle Cafe and Blossom Cafe, both of which are casual (good for families) and have great vegan food, including delicious desserts. The best site to check out is http://www.supervegan.com , which lists all the vegan and vegan-friendly places in the city with reviews.

In terms of rock n' roll history, that's a bit of a broad request. The Hard Rock Cafe, as in all other locations, has memorabilia, but is pretty much as touristy as you can get, and not especially vegan-friendly. You might decide it's worth a visit though. The East and West Villages are good spots to check out, as countless stars got their starts there, but you'd have to do some research ahead of time to find places to check out (the location of the Freewheelin' cover shot comes to mind, along with other old Dylan haunts). If you're on the Upper West Side, a stop by Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon, is obligatory, though somber, especially this time of year.

i have to admit that i wasn't a huge fan in the beginning (mainly because i had no idea what i was doing) and that the thought of animal suffering was what kept me going. but now that our tastes have changed- it is the best thing i have ever done with my life. i have never felt this good, and have never been so excited about food.

Interesting. The thought of an animal suffering bothers you , BUT you're interested in Italian Mafia related things where humans killed each other.

Not to bust on you (or maybe just a little) , but are you one of these people that can hear about a newborn baby getting tossed in the trash by it's mother and not care , but you'll donate your life savings to help a cat that was on the news that got badly burned in a fire?

I grew up in and around that envirnoment. It doesn't exist in New York City anymore to the extent it did from the turn of the century into the mid 90's. Try going to Staten Island. Look for the guys in dark suits , wearing fedora hats , smoking cigars , and carrying Tommy Guns. The usually drive around in 1950's automobiles so they stand out and are easy to spot.

Just approach one , and ask if they know where any murders might occur later. Just don't tell them you're a tourist , then they might try and rob you. As long as you don't tell them , they'll never know.

I was actually going to mention Red Bamboo myself. I've been there quite a few times and have never been disappointed. Another good option is Pukk, at 1st Ave and 4th St. They're Thai vegetarian food, with a lot of vegan options as well.

I second Red Bamboo. Best vegan I've had in the city, save a few places in Brooklyn, but you probably won't be venturing out here. They have seriously quality fake meat; you can't tell the difference. Pretty cheap, too.

Interesting. The thought of an animal suffering bothers you , BUT you're interested in Italian Mafia related things where humans killed each other.

Not to bust on you (or maybe just a little) , but are you one of these people that can hear about a newborn baby getting tossed in the trash by it's mother and not care , but you'll donate your life savings to help a cat that was on the news that got badly burned in a fire?

I grew up in and around that envirnoment. It doesn't exist in New York City anymore to the extent it did from the turn of the century into the mid 90's. Try going to Staten Island. Look for the guys in dark suits , wearing fedora hats , smoking cigars , and carrying Tommy Guns. The usually drive around in 1950's automobiles so they stand out and are easy to spot.

Just approach one , and ask if they know where any murders might occur later. Just don't tell them you're a tourist , then they might try and rob you. As long as you don't tell them , they'll never know.

I wasn't aware that I couldn't be a fan of Al Capone while also not filling myself with dead animals... I should do more research.

You are ignorant by the way.

Last edited by bblaine; 12-23-2011 at 04:11 PM..

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